After a tough stretch on the sidelines, Paula Badosa has finally given fans an update on her recovery. The Spanish tennis star has been battling a persistent lower back injury, a problem that has forced her to pull out of multiple tournaments and left her comeback timeline in question.
How Has a Back Injury Sidelined Paula Badosa in 2025?
Badosa’s injury woes have kept her off the Tour for a significant period. Her last appearances came during the grass court season, where she competed in the 2025 Berlin Tennis Open and the Wimbledon Championships. In Berlin, the former World No. 2 looked sharp, defeating Eva Lys and Emma Navarro to reach the quarterfinals. However, her run came to an abrupt end against eventual runner-up Wang Xinyu, when she had to retire due to her back injury after losing the first set 6-1.
Subsequently, Badosa fought hard at Wimbledon but ultimately fell in the first round to Katie Boulter in a tight three-set match, 2-6, 6-3, 4-6. Since that loss, she has not played in any tournaments and withdrew from the entire North American hard-court swing, which included the 2025 US Open.
During her time away, Badosa has been focused on her recovery. She recently shared a picture of herself on an exercise bicycle on social media, signaling her determination to return. Her message made it clear that she sees this setback as fuel for a powerful comeback.
“The toughest falls create the strongest rises.” and I looooove challenges… 👀 ¡Vamos!” Badosa captioned her Instagram story.
This absence is particularly frustrating given her performance at the US Open last year, which was her best result at the tournament. As the 26th seed, Badosa defeated Viktorija Golubic and Taylor Townsend before a thrilling third-round victory over qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse. She continued her run by eliminating Wang Yafan in the fourth round before falling to 13th seed Emma Navarro in the quarterfinals.
What Did Badosa Say After Withdrawing From the 2025 US Open?
After withdrawing from the 2025 US Open, Badosa took to social media to share her feelings about the “incredibly difficult” decision. The former World No. 2 explained that her “deep connection” with New York City and its fans made missing this major tournament an emotional blow.
“It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my withdrawal from this year’s US Open. This decision was incredibly difficult to make. After the amazing run I had in New York last year and the deep connection I feel with the city and its fans, stepping away from this tournament is very emotional for me,” Badosa wrote.
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She also thanked everyone who supported her decision to prioritize her health.
“The US Open has always meant a great deal to me and I have created some of my most special memories there. I want to thank everyone for the ongoing support. Right now I need to focus on my health and recovery so I can return stronger and ready to compete again. Wishing all the players the very best. To the fans in New York, I will miss you deeply and I look forward to being back as soon as I can,” she added.
The injury also prevented Badosa from participating in the mixed doubles event at the 2025 US Open, for which she had been granted a wild card.
